Being proactive about teaching our dogs when it’s time to settle can be much more effective and rewarding than punishing or scolding them. It’s remarkably easy and creates happier, less anxious dogs.
YES! So much time and emphasis is on the 'Doing stuff" time, people forget to reinforce "doing nothing" time
Often when the dog is just chilling on its bed it is ignored. I try to remind people to chuck a treat to a chilling out dog- in a very low key and not exciting way- to reinforce Fluffy for just relaxing and minding its own business.
Teaching the "Calm Settle" as it is called by Emily of Kikiopup is one of the most important skills to teach.
Also the importance of not doing the last try when training. I must remember not to fall into the "Just one more try" trap- because then the session can get reaaaaaally long- while you wait for that last perfect rep.
YES! So much time and emphasis is on the 'Doing stuff" time, people forget to reinforce "doing nothing" time
Often when the dog is just chilling on its bed it is ignored. I try to remind people to chuck a treat to a chilling out dog- in a very low key and not exciting way- to reinforce Fluffy for just relaxing and minding its own business.
Teaching the "Calm Settle" as it is called by Emily of Kikiopup is one of the most important skills to teach.
Also the importance of not doing the last try when training. I must remember not to fall into the "Just one more try" trap- because then the session can get reaaaaaally long- while you wait for that last perfect rep.